Highland Adventure

Our holiday begins today as we meet in Inverness at our partner hotel - the Palace Hotel & Spa. This popular hotel is the base for our adventure and overlooks the River Ness in the centre of the city. With some time before dinner, you could familiarise yourself with the city on a beautiful riverside stroll, delighting in the babbling river, verdant forests, and local wildlife.

This vibrant city is considered the cultural capital of the Highlands,and is crowned by the stunning Inverness Castle. Its most famous resident, King Mac Bethad Mac Findláich, may seem familiar as he was the inspiration for one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, Macbeth.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we begin the first full day of our holiday and head to Fort William by coach. The drive to Fort William showcases stunning Highland scenery of breathtaking mountains, rolling hills, and rugged terrain. Arriving in Fort William, we board the wonderful vintage carriages of the Jacobite Steam Train ready for our journey to Mallaig, one of the most scenic stretches in the UK.

Pulling out of the station, Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, passes by our window followed by fishing boats bobbing on shimmering lochs, beautiful heathers and the seasonal colours of Scotland. We could even spot some of the local wildlife, such as red deer, grazing on the hillside.

The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, and you'll immediately recognise it as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continuing through charming Scottish villages and past historic landmarks, our train journey ends in Mallaig.

With some time at leisure, you can explore the village's shops, cafes, and restaurants or simply roam the charming streets admiring the colourful architecture. We then board the coach back to our hotel, pausing enroute at the Commando Memorial, a World War II monument, and Fort Augustus, a small village which the Caledonian Canal runs through. We also pass the famous Loch Ness, known for its legendary monster, Nessie.

Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the elusive creature - evidence of its existence is said to be worth £1 million.

On early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most striking castles in Scotland. Perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, this iconic fortress has played a role in several films.

After exploring the castle's history and amazing views, we return to Inverness on the Kyle Line - one of Scotland's most scenic railways. Skirting alongside lochs and through wild mountain landscapes, we admire the cascading waterfalls, mesmerising nature, and towering peaks that roll by the windows.

This evening you're at leisure in Inverness. There's no scheduled dinner at the hotel tonight giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of the many pubs or restaurants the city is known for.

• Breakfast

Travelling to Aviemore today, we join the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway for a trip through the stunning sights of Cairngorms National Park. The carriages are beautifully restored, with comfortable seats and large windows, which let us marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

Snaking our way alongside the River Spey, we enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by purple heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks.

After leaving the train at Broomhill station, we meet our coach and head to the renowned Culloden Battlefield - where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746.

We experience a private guided tour of the battlefield where we learn about the history of the site and the sacrifices made there. Following the tour, we have access to the visitor's centre, where we can join the 360-degree battle immersion theatre, view unique weapons and artefacts on display, and appreciate panoramic views of the battlefield from the roof garden.

We return to our hotel for the final evening of our holiday and reminisce over dinner.

*For departure 24/03/2024 due to the Strasthpey railway not running on this day, we instead will visit the Loch Ness Centre for an interactive experience

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers. Our holiday comes to an end and you can make your way home, taking new, fantastic memories with you.

• Breakfast